SVT (continued)

So what can you do if you have episodes of SVT? Basically, this is what helps me: Icy cold water. A very cold wet dripping wash cloth on the face or chest, which is very effective for me. It “shocks” my body and kicks my heart back into gear quickly. Also, balling up my body if that makes sense. A hard cough helps also, but is not as effective for me. What most individuals may find contrary to the situation, holding my breath sometimes helps me, but I won’t recommend it for you because everyone is different. My SVT is not caused by a structural defect of the heart. I have a heart condition and not a heart problem.

I also get flutters too, which is not a big deal. As soon as I recognize that it’s happening, it has already stopped. That is something that happens only occasionally though.

Since I am now eating mostly organic foods and taking certain supplements, I have not had a lot of episodes of the rapid heart rates. Eating healthy is always a plus. At best, I would at best get them once or twice a year. And there are many times I could go through a full year or more without any episodes. Mainly the issue I have with SVT is an elevated resting heart rate at about 80-100 beats per minute, and it is usually on the lower end of those numbers. Catnip and the like, works great in small doses for me. Catnip was used in my household when I was a child for sleep purposes. I hate to run out of it. Larger doses can knock you out, so be very careful if you decide to use it. A word of caution with the herb valerian root, it may seep through your pores, and you may smell like that herb. Personally, I hate it and don’t use it. Also, it isn’t wise to mix herbs with drugs. If you are taking meds given to you from your cardiologist, it is best not to stop taking it abruptly. You should never stop taking heart medications abruptly.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I would like to build up my endurance running. However, if I am having difficulty, I will stop and just come to the conclusion that maybe I am not meant to be a runner…I’m not a fool. Just being a jogger will suit me fine. (After all, I need to jog before I can run….I am so nerdy.) You know, sometimes when you have been down for so many months; you just want to throw yourself in a routine. I have always had a plan of purchasing a heart rate monitor to wear while running. I want to purchase the BEST one out there, because I need it to be reliable. I need it to yell at me, or electrocute me if I am overdoing it. Ha!

Okay, so maybe I really shouldn’t run in the rain with that one. Hey, with all the technology in the world, weather is still unpredictable. But today turned out to be a great workout day.

Catnip Benefits

It is often used to help prevent insomnia and stress.

A remedy for migraines and stress headaches.

In the past, catnip herb was used to alleviate stomach problems. Due to the fact it is believed to have anti-spasmodic or muscle relaxant properties, it is a very useful natural therapy for complaints such as indigestion, cramps, and colic.

Catnip has also been known to aid with excessive gas or trapped air, and when made into a tea, it is a great addition to the diet of anyone who suffers from these complaints.

The herb has also been known to be used as an enema.

Catnip effects include helping to restore appetite in those who are recovering from an illness particularly anorexia.

It also aids in reducing fever by raising body temperature to increase sweating and, as such, is a good supplement for those with colds and flu. Catnip extract helps to break up mucus in the respiratory tract and so it is useful for bronchitis sufferers.

Catnip can be bought from many health food stores in capsule or liquid forms and also as ready-made tea bags. Catnip tea can also be made at home by pouring boiling water over the dried leaves and letting it steep for several minutes. Do not boil the dried plant, as this may cause the loss of some of the active ingredients.

Cooled tea can be used as a wash for cuts and wounds on the skin. Catnip tincture can be used to ease the external swelling related to hemorrhoids or sprains and other soft tissue damage. Catnip when used as a poultice can help ease the pain and discomfort of a toothache.